Despite suffering a gearbox problem, Sebastian Vettel insisted Mark Webber deserved to win in Brazil.
Bad break for world champion but pays tribute to Australian
Sebastian Vettel refused to rue his bad luck and picking up a gearbox problem in Brazil, insisting that Mark Webber produced a brilliant drive to win the final race of the season.
Vettel started from pole at Interlagos and looked set to record a remarkable 12th Grand Prix win of what has been a spectacular the season for the German.
However, Red Bull told Vettel he had a gearbox problem early in the race that he had a problem, which became serious and forced him to nurse his car to the line.
Vettel still managed to finish second but had to yield the lead to Australian Webber, who won his first race of the year, but the world champion insisted his team-mate deserved the win.
"It was a real shame as I had a good start and a very good feeling," said Vettel.
"Very early on I got the call to manage a gearbox problem. I had to turn down the engine and short-shift. It was getting worse through the race and I ended up having to use higher gears.
"But nevertheless Mark drove a fantastic race and he deserved to win. I don't like calling it bad luck. Surely if something like this happens, it is not in your hands
"I tried to stay as close as I could to Mark and keep the gap to (Fernando) Alonso and then Button at the end."
The 24-year-old could hardly have any complaints about his season, which saw him retain his title with ease after winning 11 races and grabbing 14 poles.
"We had an amazing season and it would be over the top being upset now, so we take this second place," he said.
"I think we take this second place and the one-two finish for the team, which is great. It has been a phenomenal year and a very strong finish now as well.
"We are all looking forward to the break and coming back as strong as this year."
